State Loans City of San Diego $2.2 Million for Energy Efficiency, Solar Power

Sacramento - The California Energy Commission recently approved a $2.2 million state loan to allow the City of San Diego to improve its energy efficiency and generate electricity with solar panels.

"San Diego will use the loan to add photovoltaic solar panels at five locations," said Energy Commission Chairman Jackalyne Pfannenstiel. "But the City is also planning to invest in energy efficiency, recognizing that it makes little sense to waste the electricity that it generates. That's why they also plan to upgrade mechanical and lighting systems, improving energy efficiency at over 37 city-owned facilities."

All told, the energy projects will reduce San Diego's energy bills by more than $262,000 a year.

"The City will be able to pay back the Energy Commission's loan in 8.5 years, just from the energy savings alone, and the savings will continue for years," said Pfannenstiel.

The total loan amount approved by the Energy Commission was $2,226,689, the estimated cost of the entire project. The City will receive approximately $250,000 in rebates from San Diego Gas and Electric for the efficiency portion of the plan; the city also expects to receive approximately $390,000 in rebates from Energy Commission's renewable program for the photovoltaic (PV) panels.

The five 30 kW PV systems will be installed at the Mission Valley Library, 2123 Fenton Parkway; and at four sites in Balboa Park Ñ the Casa de Prado Theater, 1650 El Prado; the Palisades Building, 2120 Pan American Plaza; the Balboa Park Clubhouse, 2150 Pan American West Road; and the Municipal Gymnasium, 2111 Pan American Plaza.

In addition to those sites, energy efficiency improvements will be made to the War Memorial in Balboa Park, San Diego Police Headquarters, four additional city libraries, 22 Parks and Recreation facilities, the Administration Building at 202 C Street, the Qualcomm Stadium and other city buildings.

"This loan continues San Diego's successful record with energy efficiency," said Chairman Pfannenstiel. "The City also received a $2.2 million dollar Energy Commission loan in 2004 for energy efficiency and renewable projects."

The Energy Commission provided the funds through its Energy Conservation Assistance Account. The account extends low-interest loans to cities, counties and public or non-profit schools, hospitals and public care facilities.

For more information, contact:
Dennis Williams, Public Information Officer, Department of Environmental Services, City of San Diego, 858-573-1241.